Schedule a virtual research appointment with a librarian
Location
MCC-Penn Valley Library
3201 Southwest Trafficway
Learning Resources Building 101
Kansas City, MO 64111-2764
Phone: 816.604.4080
Fax: 816.759.4374
2024 Read Harder Challenge
Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge is back to excite you with new ways to read outside the lines, read differently, and read more. We're excited to bring this challenge to the Penn Valley campus again in 2024, for the fourth year.
There are 24 reading tasks designed to get you out of your reading comfort zone and expand your worldview. Read as much or as little as you'd like, and don't forget books can overlap on reading tasks!
Join us over on the MCC-Penn Valley Read Harder Challenge LibGuide to learn more about the program and to participate!
Library loans
- Your MCC-Penn Valley Student ID or other state-issued picture ID such as a driver's license can be used as your library card.
- Circulating books are checked out for four weeks. Magazines, journals, newspapers, special collection and reference books may not be checked out. Reserve material varies by item.
Renewals and returns
Library materials may be renewed twice if someone else has not requested the item. For reserve items, there are no renewals. Interlibrary loan renewals are determined by the lending library. Return library books at the Circulation Desk (Learning Resources, 1st floor).
Computers
The library has 40 computers available for student use. Computers are to be used for researching assignments given by MCC instructors.
First priority on computers goes to students conducting research for class. If our computers are reserved for class use, you will be asked to use the Instructional Computer Lab in HU 103. When using the internet, students are expected to follow the Acceptable Use Policy set forth by Morenet, which includes no viewing of offensive materials.
Electronic resources
The library subscribes to more than thirty databases on a variety of subjects that can be accessed in the library or off-campus.
Copiers
Students can print, copy or scan in the library using funds from their PaperCut account. Each student is given $20 per semester. Additional value can be added to your PaperCut account online using a debit or credit card or in person at the circulation desk using cash.
Course reserves
A limited collection of instructional materials are available at the circulation desk. Loan lengths and use restrictions are set by faculty. Some materials must be used in the library only. Reserve items are listed in our online catalog by instructor or course name. A current photo ID is necessary to use reserve materials.
Interlibrary loan
MCC-Penn Valley library is a part of MOBIUS, a consortium linking academic libraries across the region. Books can be requested online and will be sent to MCC-Penn Valley library for checkout. Please ask at the Reference Desk about this service.
Library collection
MCC-Penn Valley Library has a book collection of over 80,000 volumes and subscribes to 100+ magazines, journals and newspapers. Our holdings are accessible through the Kansas City online catalog. Kansas City is part of the MOBIUS system which includes holdings of Missouri universities and colleges.
Reference assistance
The library staff is available to help you find information and answer your questions. Ask for reference assistance whenever you have difficulty locating information or using library resources.
Library policies
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Classrooms and areas designated for studying should be free of distractions. Please silence your cell phone while in the library. Keep phone conversations as quick and as quiet as possible.
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The Metropolitan Community College campuses are places of easy access to the public and do not have the resources to protect unsupervised children.
Leaving your child unsupervised on campus while you are in class could place your child at risk. Therefore, students are prohibited from leaving a child unattended at any of the college facilities.
Unattended children will be reported to the Kansas City Police, and the parent/guardian responsible could face disciplinary action. Parents/guardians must make arrangements for the care of their children during class meetings.
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Food is not permitted in the library. Drinks are permitted; however, students are expected to practice responsible behavior and avoid spills and messes.
Instructors' corner
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Our librarians teach research skills to students in one or more class sessions. Topics we teach can include:
- Critical thinking skills for research
- Navigating databases to find reliable articles and books
- Website evaluation
- Other topics specific to your assignments and students’ needs.
Please contact the Penn Valley Library at 816.604.4081 to schedule an information literacy instruction session. Please provide us at least 2 school days’ notice.
You can bring your students in to the Learning Resources building for instruction in our library classroom (LR226), or a librarian can come to your classroom to do the instruction.
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Books, textbooks, journal articles, DVDs, etc., may be put on reserve in the library for one semester if they conform to copyright laws. You determine the length of the checkout period. Please remind your students that they need an MCC or state-issued photo ID to check out any library materials, even 'library use only' reserve items. Contact the Circulation Desk, 816.604.4080.
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Library databases are available anywhere on any campus. Remote access is available off campus using the myMCCKC portal login or through Canvas. If you have any questions, please call the reference desk at 816.604.4081.
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For help with research, online resources and other reference questions, please call the reference desk at 816.604.4081. An online chat library service is also available during regular operating hours and accessible from the library website or through Canvas. Students can schedule a 1:1 reference appointment with a MCC-Penn Valley Librarian at mcckc.libcal.com/appointments/PV
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Faculty members who have purchasing suggestions for library materials should contact Michael Korklan.
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Before making assignments involving library resources, please check with a reference librarian to see if we have the materials your student will need. A class syllabus is very helpful in preparing the library staff for upcoming student assignments as well.